Who says indulgence is reserved for weekends? Pamper yourself with a weekday high tea sesh from our list of top picks in Singapore.
High tea in Singapore? So posh. Tiny sandwiches and scones are very Bridgerton. But, perhaps even better, we’re thinking of traditional treats like kueh. We just love ’em all! Here’s the thing: you don’t have to save this dining experience for the weekend. The proof? We’ve rounded up our favourite weekday tea places in sleek hotels and cosy cafes for the perfect afternoon indulgence that’s fit for royalty.
Best high tea spots in Singapore
1. Ginger.Lily at Hilton Singapore Orchard
Need a breather after all that retail therapy? Swing by the elegant Ginger.Lily at Hilton for The Orchard Trail Experience (from $58 per person). The light-filled space boasts high ceilings, and the menu takes you through savouries like salt-crusted pork bun, mini lobster roll and smoked beef burger. Of course, you can’t pass up on a good scone, and the freshly baked vanilla Madagascar and golden raisin flavours are served warm with clotted cream, cinnamon chocolate ganache (it’s so good) and jam.
Leave space for dessert – these beautiful treats are placed on shelves in a ‘storybook’ drawer and each one looks almost too exquisite to eat. Nibble on spiced apple tatin made with cloves, cinnamon and gingerbread, or go for the indulgent Amatika chocolate cake, a gluten-free creation with vegan Valrhona. Pair your meal with tea or top up $20++ for a glass of champagne.
Ginger.Lily, Level 5, Hilton Singapore Orchard, 333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867; daily 2pm to 5pm
2. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
Make your way to this classy New York steakhouse for an elegant afternoon of tea, classic and raisin scones, and light bites ($88++ per person). Start with the aged beef crostini and katsu chicken sandwich before you move on to sweets like key lime tart and New York cheesecake. These fan faves in petite form are best paired with cocktails, mocktails or glasses of bubbly. Tip: remember to make a reservation at least 48 hours beforehand, as each creation is handmade to order.
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, #02-01, InterContinental Singapore, Robertson Quay, 1 Nanson Road, Singapore 238909; daily 2.30pm to 4.30pm (excluding blackout dates)
3. Isabel Bar at Maxwell Reserve, Autograph Collection
We’re saying yes to a relaxing weekday treat and Isabel Bar is the stylish hangout to swing by. If you didn’t know, this is Maxwell Reserve’s signature bar that offers delightful afternoon tea sessions from $89. Plush furnishings, hand-painted wallpaper, delicate herringbone floors, knotted silk rugs, and the stunning pink onyx bar counter set the scene for an elegant meal.
You’ll be treated to a delicious selection of eats. Expect teas paired with sweet and savoury finger food and snacks – perfect for easy bites while catching up with friends and loved ones. Think smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, prune and dark chocolate brownies and more. The traditional English scones are a must-try, served with clotted cream and preserves, and finished with an exclusive selection of Beluga caviar and a shot of vodka. Can’t say no to a cheeky shot of booze!
Isabel Bar, Maxwell Reserve, Autograph Collection, 2 Cook Street, Singapore 078857
4. The Landing Point at The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
Unwind at The Landing Point as you dine along the waterfront and soak in magnificent views of the Marina Bay area. Its Expressions Afternoon Tea (from $60) infuses the rich flavours of Asia with delicate bite-sized treats that deliver a punch. Choose from seared tuna tataki, duck rillettes, scones and heritage-inspired desserts like egg kaya toast and ice gem lemon tart. If you’re in the mood for bubbly, add on $18 for a glass of Veuve Clicquot N.V. champagne. Cheers!
The Landing Point, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326; Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 3pm to 5.30pm; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 12pm to 2.30pm or 3.30pm to 6pm
5. Violet Oon Singapore
If you’re looking for something different, why not try afternoon tea with a Peranakan twist? The Singapore High Tea set ($59) at Violet Oon Singapore serves a unique selection of nibbles with familiar local flavours. Classic kuay pie tee is served with sliced bamboo shoots and turnips poached in a prawn bisque, and a chilli crab tartlet steals the show with a housemade cheese tart topped with a quail egg. Go the sweet route with bandung agar agar or a coconut pudding topped with chendol and gula melaka. Delish!
Violet Oon Singapore, #02-01, National Gallery Singapore, 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957; available Friday–Sunday 3pm to 5pm
6. The Lobby Lounge at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
Capitol Kempinski’s lobby lounge is the perfect refuge for a zen high tea session in Singapore. The five-course ($52; $58 on weekends) afternoon tea menu has a mix of sweet and savoury snacks such as smoked duck rice paper rolls, chilled chawanmushi and pandan emerald tarts. Best of all, you get tea pairings with each course to bring out the best flavours. Psst: top up $20 for two glasses of champagne!
The Lobby Lounge, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, 15 Stamford Road, Singapore 178906; daily 2.30pm to 5pm
7. 10 Scotts at Grand Hyatt Singapore
Who can say no to a high tea sesh with cascading waterfall views? Ideal for cosy get-togethers, this restaurant promises delectable cuisine and Instagram-worthy views. It takes the colonial tradition of high tea up a luxurious notch with a three-course menu ($58++ per person) guaranteed to leave you satisfied.
Highlights include 18-month aged parma ham on toasted focaccia, curry puffs and a plant-based fish cake. End things on a sweet note with the likes of strawberry tarts, salted caramel ice cream and seasonal fruits. Wash it all down with one of the Monogram bespoke teas created by master tea blenders. Or sip on coffee or juice. Craving a tipple? Top up $30 for themed cocktails and mocktails.
10 Scotts, Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211; three-course menu, daily 12pm to 2pm and 3pm to 5pm
8. 1864 Lobby Lounge at Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Escape the hustle and bustle of the CBD at this swanky coffee bar for a relaxing high tea session. Tuck into decadent bites like baked scones, matcha azuki genoise and baked frittata with octopus and smoked aioli served alongside aromatic barista-brewed coffee and TWG Tea. Now, that’s what we call an afternoon well spent! For a uniquely boozy experience, you can opt for the Tiger Crystal High Tea ($118++). Indulge in beer-infused treats like beer orange caramel brioche, beeramisu, and prawn with beer-infused melon. Top up $20 for two bottles of Tiger Crystal beer to wash it all down!
1864 Lobby Lounge, Sofitel Singapore City Centre, Level 5, 9 Wallich Street, Singapore 078885; until 31 August 2022, daily 2pm to 5pm
9. Tea Lounge at Regent Singapore
If you like sipping on tea in a charming colonial garden setting, you’ll enjoy the quaint surroundings of the Tea Lounge. Indulge in luxury with a fun Singaporean twist on a classic high tea experience. The afternoon tea set ($52) comes with Regent’s signature scones in plain and salted egg yolk flavours, sambal prawn and ikan bilis finger sandwiches, and bak kut teh quiche. Top off the experience with quintessential Singaporean drinks like sweet bandung or a refreshing Singapore Sling.
Tea Lounge, Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715; available from July to August 2022, Monday to Friday, 2pm to 5pm
10. Tablescape Restaurant & Bar at Grand Park City Hall
Satisfy your cravings with this afternoon tea menu ($78), which features delectable delights such as the foie gras tartlet served with nectarine and pistachio, and the apple and rosemary tart that promises a photo-worthy surprise. Get your phone cameras ready – because did it really happen if it’s not on Instagram?
Tablescape Restaurant & Bar, Level 3, Grand Park City Hall, 10 Coleman Street, Singapore 179809; Monday to Friday, 2:30pm to 4:30pm
11. Lobby Lounge and The Terrace at Conrad Centennial Singapore
Have you ever wondered what chicken and chrysanthemum taste like when you put them together? Try it out at Lobby Lounge’s whimsical Language of Flowers afternoon tea. Taking inspiration from the region’s best blooms, the menu features several floral-infused bites such as a tart perfumed with rose and crabmeat in a mimosa wrap. Add on $20 to get unlimited prosecco for the perfect mid-week pick-me-up!
Lobby Lounge and The Terrace, Conrad Centennial Singapore, 2 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038982; available till 20 July 2022, daily 1pm to 3pm & 3.30pm to 5.30pm
12. Atlas
Nothing says treat yo’self like afternoon tea with a side of glitz and glam. Step into the roaring twenties at Atlas, a European Art Deco-inspired bar in the iconic Parkview Square. Settle down for a high tea spread of two selections: Atlas ($56) and Prestige ($60), with the choice of teas being the difference in price points. Savouries include pumpkin quiche with cream cheese, lobster crostini and truffled egg brioche. Meanwhile, sweets feature scones, lemon meringue tart and banana cream pie. Each component is handmade to order, so make your reservation with at least 24 hours’ notice.
Atlas, Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778; Monday to Friday, 3pm and 4pm; Saturday and public holidays, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm
13. Alley on 25 at Andaz Singapore
Missing the whimsy of travel? Experience Japan at Alley on 25’s Japanese-inspired afternoon tea menu ($50 per person). Sink your teeth into teriyaki chicken sliders, California maki rolls, and scones flavoured with kinako and topped with kuromitsu raspberry jam. Free-flow beverages come in the form of TWG teas and coffee, or you can go all out by taking the bubbly route. Brownie points for the amazing city views! Yup, Alley on 25 is strategically located on the 25th storey of the hotel – talk about living the high (tea) life.
Alley on 25, Andaz Singapore, 5 Fraser Street, Singapore 189354; Monday to Sunday, 3pm to 5pm
14. Brasserie Les Saveurs at The St. Regis Singapore
When you’re at The St. Regis, you know you’re in for some pampering – and you won’t even have to wait for the weekend. Just take a day off work and nibble your way through a lavish array of classic sandwiches, desserts and pastries served on a silver stand to really elevate your high tea experience.
Brasserie Les Saveurs, The St. Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911; Monday to Saturday, 3pm to 5pm; Sunday, 3.30pm to 5.30pm
15. Skai at Swissôtel The Stamford
Due for a high tea sesh? Why not take it up a notch, literally. Say, 70 floors above ground? Skai has a spread of savoury and sweet creations that will tantalise your taste buds. While you admire the view, munch on bites like prawn with spiced tomato, mushroom quiche, salmon gravlax, chocolate bonbons and yuzu sea salt tartlet. Available from $68 per adult, complete your meal with aromatic brews by TWG or Suzuki coffee.
Skai, Level 70, Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore 178882; Sunday to Friday, 3pm to 5pm
16. The Lobby Lounge at InterContinental Singapore
One seriously spiffy option that’s on our radar is the hotel’s Heritage Royale Luxury Afternoon Tea. Enjoy treats like ayam buah keluak crostini, caviar and smoked salmon pumpernickel, chilli lobster sandwich and gold-dusted ondeh ondeh cake. Jazz up your afternoon with two flutes of champagne, tea or coffee and unlimited servings of scones and ice cream ($228 for two).
The Lobby Lounge, L1, InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966; daily, 1pm to 3pm or 3.30pm to 5.30pm
17. Wildseed Cafe
We all know surrounding yourself in nature works wonders for your wellbeing. So for a change of scene, head to Wildseed Cafe. Situated amidst quiet nature, the space is decked in lush foliage. As you enjoy the tranquility, nourish your body with an exquisite selection of afternoon tea bites ($58). Bite into mini chicken mayo croissants, mushroom flatbread pizza and assorted eclairs. Pay a little extra for the signature blooming tea – it’s the chef’s recommendation!
Wildseed Cafe, multiple locations including The Alkaff Mansion and The Summerhouse; daily 2pm to 4.30pm
18. The Grand Lobby at Raffles Hotel Singapore
Settle in for an elegant afternoon at the heritage hotel with a refreshed spread of indulgences in a refined setting. You can’t go wrong with the Classic Afternoon Tea ($80 per person) for a scrumptious experience. Just be sure to make your reservation a day in advance. Add on $25 and get a flute of champagne for a little extra indulgence.
The Grand Lobby, Raffles Hotel Singapore, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673; Monday to Thursday, 1pm to 5pm; Friday to Sunday, 12pm to 6pm
19. Anti:dote at Fairmont Singapore
This fixture at Fairmont Singapore is no small contender in the cocktail scene. For its current Afternoon Indulgence tea, the splendid spread (from $58) includes delish small bites like crayfish with tobiko, baba ganoush in a savoury tart shell and a black truffle quiche with porcini mushroom; and tempting sweets such as a Biscoff mille-feuille tart, black tea cake with hojicha cremeux and coffee bonbons. Oh, and feel free to splurge on extras like champagne if you’d like. Talk about an antidote to your mid-week blues!
Anti:dote, Level 1, Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189560; daily from 12pm to 2pm; 3pm to 5pm
20. Atrium at Pan Pacific Singapore
Get cosy with a Japanese-inspired afternoon tea experience ($52 per person) that’ll have you enjoying goodies such as salmon quiche, Japanese egg sandwich, earl grey macaron and chocolate cake. Complete the meal with two beverages from a menu that includes a selection of Bacha coffees and TWG teas.
Atrium, Pan Pacific Singapore, Marina Square, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039595; daily from 12pm to 6pm
21. The Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Not one for finger sandwiches? Have your high tea with a homegrown twist instead. This local three-tiered afternoon tea set ($88) features some of Singapore’s all-star foods, including hae bee hiam chicken and apricot sandwich, ondeh ondeh and gula melaka cake. Wash it all down with tea, coffee, kopi tarik or teh tarik. Feeling extra fancy? Lift your pinkies and sip on exclusive teas from The Rose Veranda.
The Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350; daily 3pm to 5pm
22. Lime Patisserie at Parkroyal Collection Pickering
Now, here’s a high tea sesh that brings us Tiers of Joy. Have tea for two in the lush, elegant space with plush sofas and comfy corner tables. From $68, this set for you and a dining partner features goodies such as Earl Grey cappuccino tart, parma ham sandwich, nasi lemak ball, mini shepherd’s pie and pandan coconut tart. Oh, and did we mention the unlimited servings of coffee or TWG tea? That’s your caffeine for the day, sorted.
Lime Patisserie, Parkroyal Collection Pickering, 3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore 058289; Monday to Friday, 3pm to 5pm; weekends, 3.30pm to 5.30pm
23. TWG Tea Salons
Calling all tea lovers! Go gaga at TWG Tea salons with hundreds of brews to choose from. When tea time rolls around, you can pick a spot to lounge around with your fave flavours and light bites. Feeling peckish? Nibble on muffins or scones served with TWG Tea jelly and whipped cream, plus your choice of hot or iced tea with the 1837 set ($20). For $35, you’ll enjoy all that alongside finger sandwiches such as Thai basil chicken brioche and crab meat tart.
TWG Tea Salons, multiple locations including Ion Orchard and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands; daily 2pm to 6pm
24. Mo Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
Make your high tea situation an unforgettable one at Mo Bar. Savour treats with local twists ($52 per person, $98 for two) like prawn tartlets with a laksa aioli, sambal lobster on brioche and fancy renditions of familiar traditional fare like bubur cha cha, kaya toast, and Milo dinosaur. In the mood for a boozy brunch? Pay a little extra for a cocktail or a flute of “R” de Ruinart champagne.
Mo Bar, Mandarin Oriental Singapore, 5 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039797; Monday to Friday, 3pm to 5pm; weekends, 12.30pm to 2.30pm or 3pm to 5pm
25. Colony at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
One of our favourite hotel buffets in town, Colony provides the best dining experience complemented by a sophisticated yet cosy setting. The Journey Afternoon Tea ($58) gives you a true taste of Singapore with its five-tier menu along with a choice of champagne or prosecco. The selection of savouries includes tandoori chicken, king crab sandwiches and Impossible chilli con carne. Oh, and did we mention unlimited desserts from The Patisserie? That’s right, unlimited.
Colony, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799; Monday to Saturday, 3.30pm to 5.30pm
26. L’Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel
Choose to enjoy your high tea spread in the cosy indoor space or by the breezy poolside terrace at L’Espresso. This choice English afternoon tea destination ($60) features a dazzling assortment of dainty sandwiches, cheeses, pastries, meats, ice cream, an assortment of desserts and, of course, traditional English scones. If you’re in the mood for more local fare, the menu also features laksa, mee siam and Nyonya otak-otak to put a local spin on the classic English tea time.
L’Espresso, Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221; Monday to Friday, 12pm to 2.30pm or 3pm to 5.30pm; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 11am to 1pm or 1.30pm to 3.30pm or 4pm to 6pm
27. Arteastiq
Arteastiq is synonymous with relaxed art jamming afternoons and chi-chi meals. But if busting out your Picasso moves isn’t the plan of the day, perch yourself on a plush, velour chair for an afternoon of dainty delicacies. The Dream Teasery high tea set ($32 per person, $58 for two) comes with truffle shell pasta, foie gras pate and teas. Meanwhile, the National Treasure set ($32 per person, $58 for two) goes the local route with otah fries, satay chicken with rice cake, rainbow kueh lapis and baked tapioca kueh with lychee.
Arteastiq, multiple locations including Mandarin Gallery and Jewel Changi Airport; daily 1pm to 5pm
What are you waiting for? Time to book yourself a luxe weekday afternoon tea sesh in Singapore!
